Former Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Rubaga division, Herbert Anderson Burora, was arrested on Monday evening by the Parliamentary Police following his vocal criticisms and allegations of corruption against the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among.
Burora, who was dismissed from his position by the President’s office earlier this year, had become increasingly outspoken against the Speaker and Parliament. He accused the Speaker of various forms of corruption and misuse of public funds through several scathing letters and public statements.
His troubles began when he was warned by his former employers to cease his attacks on the Speaker. Faced with an ultimatum to apologize or face severe disciplinary actions, Burora chose to resign from his post. His resignation did not end his activism; instead, he became a prominent critic of the Speaker’s conduct, accusing her of hypocrisy and financial mismanagement.
In one of his detailed letters, Burora accused the Speaker of transforming Parliament into a private enterprise, enriching herself at the expense of Ugandan taxpayers. He highlighted several instances of alleged corruption, including the misuse of funds meant for the impoverished, illegal expenditures for personal benefits, and conflicts of interest in procurement processes.
In a bold move to rally public support against corruption, Burora organized a protest march scheduled for July 27, inviting all Ugandans tired of corruption to join him in a procession from City Square to Parliament. This activism, however, seems to have drawn severe backlash.
On Monday evening, Burora reported via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that his house was surrounded by unknown individuals demanding he accompany them.
Shortly thereafter, it was confirmed that Burora had been arrested by the Parliamentary Police and detained at Ntinda Police Station.
He was transferred Kira Division Police in Wakiso where he spent a night and on Tuesday morning was taken to his house for a search.
The Parliamentary Police have charged Burora with cyber harassment and disturbing the peace of Speaker Among.
He has since been transferred to the Central Police Station, and his file has been sanctioned.
Burora is expected to appear in court on Wednesday morning.
Burora’s close associates earlier suspected his arrest was directly linked to his outspoken criticism of the Speaker and his plans to organize anti-corruption protests in Kampala. “This is an attempt to silence him and dissuade others from speaking out against corruption,” said a close associate who wished to remain anonymous.
The police have yet to issue an official statement regarding Burora’s arrest and the charges he faces.
The situation has sparked a wave of concern among civil society groups and activists who view this as a troubling sign for freedom of expression and the protection of whistleblowers in Uganda.